Patents on the soles of your shoes...: Terminology – WOTTIES 2025 – Macquarie Dictionary shortlisted Words of the Year

Tuesday, December 16, 2025

Terminology – WOTTIES 2025 – Macquarie Dictionary shortlisted Words of the Year

Terms competing for the Word of the Year are always at least as interesting as the winner of them all. The Macquarie Dictionary of Australian English shortlisted the following terms competing for the Word of the Year 2025. Supporting Macquarie Dictionary definitions and graphics are also included.

ate (and left no crumbs) – To perform or execute something flawlessly.

Australian sushi – Any of various thick, uncut sushi rolls with the nori wrapped around the filling in order to be eaten by hand.

BAL rating – A system of assessing a building’s potential exposure to ember attack, radiant heat, and direct flame of a bush fire.

bathroom camping – The act of isolating oneself in a bathroom or bathroom cubicle for a period of time, to seek solitude, avoid work, or regulate emotions.

bird-dogging – The act of confronting a politician at a public event with direct questions or issues, aiming to bring attention to a special issue.

blind box – A type of mystery box which contains an unseen collectible toy or figurine.

femgore – A subgenre of horror in which female protagonists are given agency over the narrative, and while still victimized, objectified or exploited to an extent, are not passive.

Ozempic face – A condition resulting from the use of a semaglutide drug, characterized by the wrinkling and sagging of the face due to rapid weight loss.

quadball – The new name for a real-life quidditch, where the aim is to score by putting a ball through any of three vertical hoops at the end of the field.

Roman Empire – Any of various events, interests, subjects, etc., that one finds themselves frequently thinking about, especially one considered unusual.

Six-Seven – A nonsense expression in which each hand is held out to the side with palms facing up, alternatively moving each up and down as if comparing weights. Also 6,7.